The first integrated rural development programs (IRDPs) during the 1980s were heavily dependent on donor funding. Although agriculture was the mainstay in livelihoods in rural areas, IRDPs also focused on other (social) sectors perceived to be essential for economic development and wellbeing. Infrastructure development in rural areas was also a major component in most IRDPs.
A lack of ownership on the part of central governments, lack of investments from national budgets in many developing countries and neglect of institution-building meant that IRDP initiatives were, in many cases, not sustainable.
Some of these programs also included activities to support development of livestock keeping as a part of small scale farming. More attention was given to the multiple roles of cattle and other animals in the farming systems (manure, as draught) At the time, special attention was paid to the role of women in livestock keeping. There was also more attention for other types of livestock including poultry, pigs, sheep and goats and exceptionally buffalo and camels.
